NAOTB: Violeta Martinez
Dec 05, 2025 | Women's Tennis
12thMan.com chatted with Violeta Martinez. The senior joined the Aggies this fall after her experience while playing for Illinois.
How did you decide to become an Aggie?
The main reason when I was choosing between schools to transfer to was the program and the coaches. I came here on a visit, and I immediately knew. I went on other visits, but I knew I was going to say yes to this place. How the coaches treated me and the tennis program overall, I just knew was this was the place I was going to improve.
What is your favorite part of Aggieland so far?
I really like this facility, and I love the courts.
Favorite Aggie Tradition?
I think it is really cool how all the people stand during the football games.I think it is really cool how all the people stand during the football games.
Favorite food spot in College Station?
I can’t think of a place to eat, but my favorite spot to go is POV Coffee
Since you’re from Florida, what is your Go-To spot to eat in Florida?
I just miss my mom's cooking the most. She makes empanadas, and they are so good.
How excited are you to be headed to the NCAA Singles Championship?
I'm very excited. It's the first time I made it, and as a senior, it was a big goal. All the coaches knew I really wanted to make it, so it means a lot. Now I have a new goal, and I really want to do the best I can at the NCAA.
How has it been fitting in with the team so far?
It's been really good. I know it's always hard when you're new, trying to get used to everything, but I think coming in as a senior, I have a lot of experience being in this whole college tennis thing. So it was hard at first, but I'm definitely used to it, and I definitely consider myself an Aggie now for sure.
After tennis, what’s next?
I'm really into dermatology; I'm not studying to be a dermatologist, but I would love to collaborate with a dermatologist to create a skincare brand for athletes. I think that's something very much in the future, but after tennis, that's something I'm looking into.
After spending lots of time in the classroom and on the courts, what is your favorite thing to do after that?
I either go to new coffee places or I'm just in my room, either binge-watching a new show, movie, or reading.
When was the exact moment when you realized, this is where you need to be?
When I did my media shoot, I just knew I was very happy putting on the gear, taking pictures, and I just felt my most confident self doing my commitment photo shoot. So I want to say, there I kind of knew this is where I'm going to be.
At what age did you start playing tennis, and when did you realize I can do this past high school?
I started at three, so pretty young. I feel like in kindergarten, I was writing down that I wanted to be a professional tennis player, but tennis-wise, probably 10 or 11 is when I started getting recognized by the USTA, and I said to myself, I’ll be doing this for a pretty long time.
Who is the one player that you either look up to or maybe model your game after?
Someone I looked up to at an early age is Simona Halep, but now someone that is on tour, I really like Aryna Sabalenka’s style and her personality.
